A premier youth soccer program compiled of established, elite clubs across the western United States called Western College Development Academy (WCDA) invited Santa Rosa United to join the founding members in the second season, 2011.

“This is a great honor and fabulous opportunity for our U13- U18 boys teams . We are always looking for ways to improve our program and bring value to our families. We are proud to be selected by the WCDA as one of four new Northern Californian teams added this year” said Peter Colbert, President of Santa Rosa United Soccer Club.

The primary objective of the WCDA is to provide consistent high-quality competition and enhanced college readiness opportunities for their elite soccer players. The Academy will also provide an improved scouting environment for college coaches by bringing all of the clubs together for showcase events in Las Vegas.

“I am happy to see that our boy’s players will be given more opportunities to be showcased regularly and at a reasonable cost. It is our job to provide a platform for our players to be showcased properly and this is a big step forward. It is the player’s job to excel in the classroom and on the soccer field” said Josh Sterling, College Planning Specialist of Santa Rosa United.

Clubs are chosen by the WCDA’s Soccer Advisory Board based on a number of criteria, including a club’s history of elite youth player development and past success in elite competitions. The WCDA’s website is located at www.westerncda.com. The WCDA is a supplemental program, and member teams will continue to play in other leagues, tournaments and State Cup competitions. Players will also be able to participate on their high school teams.

Santa Rosa United are in the North Pacific Conference with San Juan Soccer Club, Placer United, Marin FC, Mustang, Cal Odyssey, De Anza Force and Diablo FC. Santa Rosa United teams will play clubs from the North West Conference (Washington and Oregon Clubs), Southwest Conference ( Cal South and Nevada Clubs) and Mountain Conference (Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico Clubs).

“I am very excited for our teams to have steady and competitive competition across the Western Region. This is very important to our player’s and team’s development. I hope this will benefit all boy playing soccer in Sonoma County” said Dave Shaffer, Technical Director of Santa Rosa United.